[RANT] I’ve Come A Long Way…

written by Substantial on May 27, 2008

...but I’ve only just begun!

By now a lot of you all know that today, MTV2 Sucker Free will be airing my video for It’s You (I Think). Some of you also know that every word of that song is true. What’s mind blowing to me though, is that nearly 15 years after my experience in the first verse of that song, I have a song/video of it about to premier on MTV2! To say I feel good right now is an understatement.

Like a lot of artists, when I completed my first demo I dreamed of being heard by people around the country (wasn’t thinking on an international level yet) and hopefully having a video on MTV or BET someday. Needless to say it’s pretty damn awesome to be moments away from actually living out one of my many childhood dreams. I’m just really thankful that I got this far by staying true to myself.

Folks always say that ‘you can’t do this or that no more’, ‘Hip-Hop’s dead’, ‘you gotta make a blah blah blah records in order to make people take notice’... I’ve ignored that nonsense and continued to do me. I’m even more grateful to have people like you all supporting me and encouraging me to be nothing other than myself. Believe me when I tell you this is only the beginning.

Stay tuned, stay righteous, and stay in peace.
Substantial

PS. I dedicate this to my brother from another mother Powerful (1/3 of God’s Illa, yall may remember him from his cameos in the It’s You video and my RotHP video.) Hold your head high king. We gonna get you home soon! FREE P! In a few days I’ll let yall know how you all can support us in our efforts to bring our brother home. In the meantime, click here if you’re in the DMV area. Thanks. PEACE!

Tonedeff May 27, 2008

I’m hella proud of you, señor. You’re one of the most consistently driven people I know, and I take a great deal of pride in being able to help you with anything I can. Congratulations famalam!

The people are ready.

Hollerate.

Amen May 27, 2008

I can’t say enough about how happy all of this makes me. Real talk, this rejuvenates my spirit and faith in the entertainment industry and society as a whole. Now that you’re there, I can’t envision any scenario in which you won’t remain. The album is excellent, the video is beautiful, and it’s all happened on your terms. Congrats, homie.

what May 28, 2008

i am so so so proud to be your fan. to hear your music on mtv is a blessing because it shows the masses that quality hip-hop is available. you deserve every last moment of shine that comes from this exposure. here’s to seeing you on tv more often. i really have faith that this is the beginning of something kickass. seriously, congrats again.

Big True May 28, 2008

Yeah… that brother Substantial… he aight….

....

lmao… seriously though… Its funny because I dont even know if you remember me saying this 6-7 years ago,

“You are one of the few brothers I met that makes me proud to be Black…”

Well, although I still believe that, It is really just an understatement. In reality you are one of the few brother’s that I am proud to call fam… Keep reaching for your dreams, because you are inspiring many more to reach for their own…

And Bring yo Black Ass back to Class!!!! BROTHER!!! lol

illumeenous May 28, 2008

I remember when that last situation happened and it was crazyness. Ahh, memories. Sometimes putting a piece of yourself out into the world comes back in such beautiful forms: here is yours. I remember when you told me True said that phrase about you, too. Let me stop before I get all misty-eyed but you know I luv u more than my own father, and I’ve never spoken truer words. I’m just proud I can say I saw it all from the beginning. Lol, someone should’ve warned them you were at the gates!